“The public would never have forgiven me for playing with an injury. I tried my best to get fit but I just couldn't make it,” Ishant told Mid-Day.

"I was to undergo a fitness test (on Saturday) but I knew it would be a futile exercise. I would not have been able to deliver. I had to take a call,” he added.

Ishant, who wasn’t a part of India’s successful campaign at home in 2011, was expected to be one of the key members of the Indian bowling attack in the World Cup. But the lanky fast bowler knew that he couldn’t give his 100% and didn't want to let down his country.

Mohit is a good replacement: Ishant

"Everyone wants to play in a World Cup, but I didn't want to let down my country. I tried my very best but I realised I wouldn't have been 100 per cent fit,” the right-arm pacer said.

Talking about Mohit Sharma, who has replaced Ishant in the World Cup squad, the Delhi pacer said that the former is capable enough of filling in for him.

"My good wishes to the team… especially Mohit. He's a good bowler and I am sure he will perform well for India,” he said.